2018 Recruiting Thread



  • http://kansas.247sports.com/Article/An-Update-With-Versatile-Four-Star-67-Wing-Jules-Bernard-Kansas--53232390?

    Let’s go through a couple of the other ones. Which would you like to start with?

    Kansas, they offered me maybe two months ago.

    Obviously a big-time program. Yeah. I like their coach. He called me and talked to me and, you know, it wasn’t only about basketball. It wasn’t only about basketball. He talked about me and my family. He talked to me about my teammates. I definitely like how they’re not only focused on basketball. They’re focused on you as a person.

    Was that different?

    Yeah, I think all coaches try to do it to a certain extent, but it was definitely refreshing to see from a big-time program like that to show that they care about the person.

    Were you surprised when they offered?

    No, I wasn’t surprised, but I was very excited. I was super excited.

    One of the blue blood programs Yeah, I was super excited. I think with all of the hard work that I’ve put in through the years, I think I deserved it. It was definitely humbling to have them offer me.

    Might you visit them?

    Probably after the summer when I have time to go on a visit.



  • @BeddieKU23 ya, true - -I wasn’t really aware he had been on our campus as of yet, but would be good like you say get him back with the parents for one of his 5 officals. - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY



  • @BShark Well that sounds interesting. - -So talk to me is this guy legit? must be decent enough if We hollering, sounds like his interest is pretty legit with us. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    @BShark

    Looks like we need to get Carey on campus as quickly as we can. A lot of programs are after him it seems.

    The way he talked about Uconn makes me think they could be the favorites especially with his proximity to them. Who knows if Gilbert and Adams will on the rosters after this season which would basically guarantee him a starting role.

    If he hasn’t talked to coach Self yet I wonder how much KU is really pursuing him which sucks I think he’s as good as any guard we have a chance with.

    I read this in similar fashion. If KU got Grimes and Ayo then it would work out but honestly it would be fine to prioritize Carey I think. Doesn’t seem like the staff is going in that direction. Grimes is a huge priority.

    Also it won’t happen because of numbers and kids wanting lots of pt but could you imagine an Ayo/Grimes/Carey back court? Would be just filthy.



  • jayballer54 said:

    @BShark Well that sounds interesting. - -So talk to me is this guy legit? must be decent enough if We hollering, sounds like his interest is pretty legit with us. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

    Ayo or Bernard? I think KU has a good shot with Ayo. He is good friends with Charlie Moore and played with Markese this summer. I’m not sure KU will take a wing in this class and Bernard is def a wing. If Vick stays to go with Garrett, Cunliffe and KJ Lawson, definitely already a full compliment of wings. If KU signs a wing, someone is leaving early for sure.

    And yeah Dotson visited KU on his own dime and it was a very good visit.



  • @jayballer54

    Yes, he visited for the Iowa St loss in Allen with his mother.

    As with any kid, momentum swings one way or the other at seemingly every visit. Right now the momentum doesn’t seem to be in KU’s favor because his last visit was 4 months ago but every time Dotson speaks KU has always been at the top of his list. As long as KU gets an official visit I think we are in good position until we hear otherwise.



  • @BShark

    Interesting development with Ayo.

    He’s a very good player and if our connection with him lands a commitment I’m not going to be upset at all. He’s had a very good spring and has excellent size to play in the back-court at KU.

    Personally I’d love to land Carey or Grimes because at this stage they are better shooters especially from the perimeter but that’s my personal opinion of them at this point. We’ll see how this develops



  • @BShark

    Bernard has been solid so far. I read he isn’t elite at any one thing but does go out there and gets production. With any California kid, you always wonder whether they will leave the area or not



  • @BeddieKU23

    I don’t think KU/Self could go wrong with Grimes, Dotson, Carey or Ayo. But yes we have pretty much grown accustom to great 3pt shooting KU teams.

    Now, a bad 3pt shooting team under Self doesn’t seem to be as much of an indicator for team success as it does with say, Bruce Weber. The last two what I would consider bad 3pt shooting KU teams, Self lost to Stanford early but the other made the title game against that stacked UK dream team.

    Next year could be worrisome in that regard depending on how players develop and who is signed.



  • ESPN updated rankings for 2018

    Grimes down to 29, not understanding the drop honestly.

    Dotson #33

    Dosunmu #39

    Carey # 55 (nice jump, finally people are catching on)

    Bernard #57

    A few Duke prospects saw big jumps before they commit.



  • http://247sports.com/Article/NBA-Top-100-Five-Star-2018-PG-Quentin-Grimes-Says-Duke-Picking-U-53199547

    “I definitely want to visit Kentucky, Kansas and Texas. I might do four, maybe all five official visits, but those are the three I’m definitely going to visit.”



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    ESPN updated rankings for 2018

    Grimes down to 29, not understanding the drop honestly.

    Dotson #33

    Dosunmu #39

    Carey # 55 (nice jump, finally people are catching on)

    Bernard #57

    A few Duke prospects saw big jumps before they commit.

    Grimes has been sick lately, though if ESPN isn’t factoring that in they aren’t doing their job very well…



  • @BShark Do you think we need him? We’ve got Charlie Moore, Cunliffe, Garrett, and Vick. You’re the recruiting whiz…would he help us?



  • @KUSTEVE Big Combo Guard. Would be a great second ball handler. A DG type of role. Cunliffe will have to prove he can do something besides hit a shot. And Vick might have the highest ceiling of anyone on next seasons team so he might not even be here. Plus, Grimes might not be a OAD. I know Garrett is kind of a similar guy, but you could slide him to the 3 and possibly have 3 PGs on the floor at once and be a very unselfish team offensively. That is a very high BBIQ lineup.



  • How are we doing on 2018 bigs? I know we just made Naz Reid’s cut. But that’s about the only news I’ve heard on that front. I think Bagley ultimately ends up going straight pro, but I hope he drags out his recruitment. Bill does his best work in April. I don’t even really want Bol Bol. So really I don’t see us landing an impact big unless we land Naz Reid.

    I just don’t see Preston or Doke playing another year regardless of how their seasons go. Leaves us with Mitch and the Lawsons. I think KJ will slide into a stretch 4 role. Which probably better suits him athletically and skill-wise. But there is plenty of unchallenged PT for a top big-man to be had. We need to land a 5. Dedric can play there for spurts. But no way can anyone else on our current roster. We are loaded at potential stretch 4s, but that only works if you have a 5 who can eat rebounds. Need to find a backup 5. (Or starting post player if we somehow pulled off a Zion or Bagley miracle).



  • Bagley is a huge get for two reasons. 1. He would make you a top 5 team almost by himself. And 2. You would have an in with his brother.



  • Also, what are the odds that Anthony Selden ends up as a preferred walk-on? Seems like a good fit.



  • @Kcmatt7 lol. I thought surely you were referring to Uncle Anthony. This seems like destiny.



  • Kcmatt7 said:

    @KUSTEVE Big Combo Guard. Would be a great second ball handler. A DG type of role. Cunliffe will have to prove he can do something besides hit a shot. And Vick might have the highest ceiling of anyone on next seasons team so he might not even be here. Plus, Grimes might not be a OAD. I know Garrett is kind of a similar guy, but you could slide him to the 3 and possibly have 3 PGs on the floor at once and be a very unselfish team offensively. That is a very high BBIQ lineup.

    Yeah. The team will get by this year with two guards (Graham, Newman), but three is much more ideal. I view Garrett as a wing until proven otherwise, I don’t care what his position was in HS. What will matter is if he has the ability to play the position at the major D1 level.

    Also I agree that KJ and maybe even Cunliffe are more 3/4 types. Although Cunliffe hated that at ASU…

    Anyway, point being that if Newman jumps to go pro as expected, signing two pg/cg would be ideal, one absolutely essential to not getting destroyed by teams that press.



  • Kcmatt7 said:

    How are we doing on 2018 bigs? I know we just made Naz Reid’s cut. But that’s about the only news I’ve heard on that front. I think Bagley ultimately ends up going straight pro, but I hope he drags out his recruitment. Bill does his best work in April. I don’t even really want Bol Bol. So really I don’t see us landing an impact big unless we land Naz Reid.

    I just don’t see Preston or Doke playing another year regardless of how their seasons go. Leaves us with Mitch and the Lawsons. I think KJ will slide into a stretch 4 role. Which probably better suits him athletically and skill-wise. But there is plenty of unchallenged PT for a top big-man to be had. We need to land a 5. Dedric can play there for spurts. But no way can anyone else on our current roster. We are loaded at potential stretch 4s, but that only works if you have a 5 who can eat rebounds. Need to find a backup 5. (Or starting post player if we somehow pulled off a Zion or Bagley miracle).

    No one seems to know the answer to this. It is possible that Preston and/or Doke are back though. I think Doke returning is slightly more likely.

    Looks like we are simply in wait and see mode.



  • @BShark

    Garret played PG in HS and yes, I read what you posted; however, playing that position he was selected POY for the state of Texas, one of the top BBall states in the country…what makes you think he could not play PG in college? Wouldn’t the logical initial assumption be that he can play PG until he shows he cannot?



  • @JayHawkFanToo

    True, given his size its natural to think he will be transitioned to another position but maybe he’s good enough to be the primary backup for Graham as a freshman. He has excellent vision and from everything I’ve read he has leadership skills to be a PG.

    We haven’t heard Self talk about where he plans to use him yet. There has been some general talk from those around the program that Marcus was recruited to play the 2/3 spot but its never been confirmed. There’s definitely a role for him as a ball-handler if he earns it



  • Matt Scott on the shiver confirmed my own suspicions. The staff wants TWO guards in this class. Then listed…

    Grimes, Dosunmu, Dotson, Quickley, Romeo, Quinerly, Smart, Bernard and Jalen Carey. Maybe throw David Duke in there as well.



  • BShark said:

    Matt Scott on the shiver confirmed my own suspicions. The staff wants TWO guards in this class. Then listed…

    Grimes, Dosunmu, Dotson, Quickley, Romeo, Quinerly, Smart, Bernard and Jalen Carey. Maybe throw David Duke in there as well.

    Why stop at 2 when we can get 3. At least 2 for sure!



  • I’m of the opinion that Garrett could play the point. But I could certainly see Coach wanting to use that size at the 2/3. Perhaps that is why KUSPORTS listed Garret at 6’7". Our ball handling skills could be off the charts next year with Moore, Garrett, and whoever else we bring in.



  • @KUSTEVE KU athletics he’s listed 6’5"



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    BShark said:

    Matt Scott on the shiver confirmed my own suspicions. The staff wants TWO guards in this class. Then listed…

    Grimes, Dosunmu, Dotson, Quickley, Romeo, Quinerly, Smart, Bernard and Jalen Carey. Maybe throw David Duke in there as well.

    Why stop at 2 when we can get 3. At least 2 for sure!

    I like the optimism but I can’t see pulling three with Moore already on board.



  • BShark said:

    BeddieKU23 said:

    BShark said:

    Matt Scott on the shiver confirmed my own suspicions. The staff wants TWO guards in this class. Then listed…

    Grimes, Dosunmu, Dotson, Quickley, Romeo, Quinerly, Smart, Bernard and Jalen Carey. Maybe throw David Duke in there as well.

    Why stop at 2 when we can get 3. At least 2 for sure!

    I like the optimism but I can’t see pulling three with Moore already on board.

    Agree, was just playing. Lots of good guards in this class that fit what Self wants. Pulling 2 might even be hard with how guys look for the path to the least resistance but if Newman is being shopped as good as gone well getting 2 shouldn’t be that hard.



  • Garrett could be 6’9 on the official roster by fall. haha



  • The plan is definitely that Newman goes pro after this year. He might be the best guard (in terms of talent) Self has had at KU so yeah. Obviously Graham is gone. This situation should make recruiting easier. You still never know though, Trae Young was offered the keys and turned em down. Even not counting Smart, Quickley or Quinerly (good idea imo) that’s a lot of really good guards KU is in on. Self just has to bat .333.



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    Garrett could be 6’9 on the official roster by fall. haha

    😂

    At this rate he will be 7’ by the time he gets minutes.



  • BShark said:

    BeddieKU23 said:

    Garrett could be 6’9 on the official roster by fall. haha

    😂

    At this rate he will be 7’ by the time he gets minutes.

    Just in time to take over Doke’s position at the 5



  • 2019 name to watch: Terrence Hargrove.



  • Read today where KU had offered 2020 pg Adam Miller 6’3 from Peoria Illinois. Said KU and Illinois were going to be fighting for him over the next 2 yrs lol. - - - - -Rock Chalk All Day Long Baby



  • @jayballer54

    Posted about that a bit back, he’s really good and interested in KU. Momma is on board too…could definitely end up a Jayhawk.



  • Encouraging news about Miller even if he’s a long ways away from picking or going to College. Never hurts to be in already for a 2020 kid with ties to the program.

    Looking like Quinerly to Arizona. Jeez they are unstoppable right now.

    Bagley to visit Duke this summer… no other visits planned at this point.

    Grimes latest interview makes it seem like he will be dragging out his recruitment… Will KU wait on him and get burned again? Seems like the next in line to do so.

    Some more 18 prospects off the board. Smith- a high upside top 40 guy to Maryland. USC picked up a Top-100 big. Neither were on KU’s radar.

    Ayo eliminated Northwestern from consideration after visiting… No KU visit planned as of yet and frankly I’m not sure what they are waiting on to get him here.

    Looks like Duke will be on the board soon with Cole Swider, a rising PF who I’m sure the recruiting sites will overvalue because he signs with Duke.

    Matt keeps saying KU sits in a good spot for Langford, which I don’t believe. We hear “we’re in a good spot all to often” line



  • @BeddieKU23 I just hope Bagley signs early. Just so Self doesn’t turn into Captain Ahab and ignores recruits we could actually land.



  • @BeddieKU23

    Could be another early commit. Not like right now which would be insane, but JR year assuming he keeps progressing.

    With Grimes, I’d say KU shouldn’t wait if he isn’t a fall decision but other realistic guard targets want to commit. He’s good yes but if two of Dotson, Ayo and Carey want to commit I say take em.

    Sounded like Ayo plans to visit KU. Wouldn’t worry about it.

    Looks like that kid is already getting the Duke bump. A shame that KU hasn’t been closing targets like other schools over the summer. But hey since Bill just works a bit later than usual maybe this will mean a good fall. 😂



  • BShark said:

    The plan is definitely that Newman goes pro after this year. He might be the best guard (in terms of talent) Self has had at KU so yeah. Obviously Graham is gone. This situation should make recruiting easier. You still never know though, Trae Young was offered the keys and turned em down. Even not counting Smart, Quickley or Quinerly (good idea imo) that’s a lot of really good guards KU is in on. Self just has to bat .333.

    Yeah Howard’s job should depend on whether he lands this kid (with the expectation that he keeps improving and KU continues to prioritize him. It sounds harsh but at some point your assistants have to prove themselves when you have the upper hand in a recruitment. Him being a key player for Newman was a positive step IMO for him. There is literally not an acceptable excuse out there if he doesn’t land Miller with the connection he shares with the mother.

    We’ll see what happens with Grimes. At least we know an official visit is a certainty.

    Swider is definitely getting the Duke bump. Not that he hasn’t improved, he’s been the leading scorer so far on his AAU squad that has caught a lot of attention.

    Did you see the Bamba possible eligibility issues? I haven’t dug deep into it but some messy stuff possibly happening…



  • Yeah I made a thread. I can’t see Bamba being able to play…



  • @BeddieKU23 Isn’t Snacks the reason that the Chicago pipeline has sort of reopened? He landed Cliff and Jacobs. Is he really doing much worse than anyone else recruiting?



  • @Kcmatt7

    He’s a bit of a lightning rod in large segments of the fanbase. He ran point on some high profile misses.

    Otoh he ran point on Garrett and Jacobs. Plus was a factor for Moore. If he keeps the ILL/Chicago commits flowing he isn’t going anywhere.



  • Ruhroh, Marcedus Leech visiting UK…



  • @BShark I guess its easier for some people to blame the person recruiting them in order to rationalize the decision of a 17 or 18 year old kid.



  • http://kentucky.247sports.com/Article/Kentucky-Wildcats-hosting-top-50-junior-Marcedus-Leech-for-unoff-53378575

    He hold early offers from Kansas, Iowa State, Miami, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Washington among others, but told D1Vision that Kentucky is his dream school.

    Just another kid KU was supposedly the early favourite for that will end up at UK, Duke or AZ.



  • @Kcmatt7

    No I don’t think he’s doing sub-par to the rest of the staff. He’s gotten a lot of criticism since he’s been here, part of that falls on his arrest and poor judgement. I’ve held nothing against him in that regard and see no reason to. I had forgot he has run point on some other guys we currently have or will have in the future as well. I think he’s starting to get settled in and connect with recruits and with him being younger then the rest of the staff he has an advantage.

    I was just making my opinion that if Miller doesn’t come to KU (given he’s already a top 25 2020 kid) with the connection he has with Howard then we’ll have to discuss that when it comes up.



  • BShark said:

    http://kentucky.247sports.com/Article/Kentucky-Wildcats-hosting-top-50-junior-Marcedus-Leech-for-unoff-53378575

    He hold early offers from Kansas, Iowa State, Miami, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Washington among others, but told D1Vision that Kentucky is his dream school.

    Just another kid KU was supposedly the early favourite for that will end up at UK, Duke or AZ.

    It’s not like we have heard anything about KU’s involvement in almost a year with him. The staff might be after others but I wouldn’t agree with that decision. Leech is worth attention



  • @BeddieKU23

    Yeah it would be a bad look if KU wanted Miller but missed. For anyone that doesn’t know, Jerrance went to high school with Miller’s mom. The recent unofficial visit was a complete slam dunk, home run etc…

    Assuming Barrett reclassifies, Leech was actually my preferred realistic target for wing/guard in 19. Doesn’t look likely now though. I’d keep an eye on Terrence Hargrove JR now. KU is in on a lot of combo forward types, but I think the staff views them as bigs/post players. Ie Hurt, C Lawson, JRE etc…



  • J Smart to LSU.



  • Just realized LSU and Missouri are in same conference with same mascot. Smh


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